Zim host international junior tennis events

TENNIS Zimbabwe have a busy calendar, between this month and next month, after getting the greenlight to host a number of international junior tournaments, since the resumption of sport.

Junior players have the chance to return to international events at home, after some of the events were postponed, when the country got into the Level Four lockdown, at the end of June.

But, with sporting activities now allowed under strict Covid- 19 regulations, a number of events have been lined up to take place from this month into next month.

Currently, Bulawayo is hosting a regional tournament, which got underway yesterday, and is running until October 17, at Bulawayo Country Club.

It is featuring four countries — Malawi, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Each country is fielding two teams — a boys’ team of three and girls’ team of three.

The teams play two singles, and one doubles match, in a round- robin format.

The top two teams will qualify for the Continental Games.

The regional event will be followed by a Continental Championship, from October 17 to 24, at the same venue, in Bulawayo.

Harare is going to host three International Tennis Federation 18- and- Under tournaments, between October and November.

The first event is scheduled for October 25 to 30.

The second is expected to run from November 1 to 6, and the last tournament is due to take place, from November 8 to 13.

The events will all take place at Harare Sports Club.

The three tournaments were scheduled for July to August but had to be moved, following the suspension of sport, because of Covid- 19 complications.

Tennis Zimbabwe manager, Cliff Nhokwara, said for now, tournaments are likely to be the main events for the juniors, this year.

“I think for now they will be the main events we are going to host but we obviously would want to try and host a few more in December.

“The only, maybe, major issue is that the ITF calendar is over congested.

“So as much as we want to host, we will not want to clash with regional neighbours hosting.

“It’s highly likely that these might be what we have for this year and, then, we will definitely have more next year.

“But, beyond these, we will then focus more on our local tournaments.

“We have the New Winners in December and then there will be a few more other junior tournaments,’’ said Nhokwara.

Playing at home presents most players, in the country, with an opportunity to get the needed international competition, to gain points.

“Obviously, post the Covid lockdown kids have been dying to play in competitions, let alone being given a platform to play, at international level.

“So, hopefully, quest will push them to perform quite well, in these events, and achieve the recognition they require,” said Nhokwara.

Bulawayo hosted two ITF 18- and- Under events, between May and June.